Mrs. Brenda Pollard Prater

Brenda was born to the late Robert Thomas Pollard and Sarah Woodall Pollard, on July 9, 1948, in Opelika, AL. She was the fourth of seven children born to their union. Brenda accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was a member of St. Luke A.M.E Church during her childhood. Brenda’s devotion and dedication to her Christian faith was a hallmark of her life. While living in Columbus, GA for most of her adulthood, she was a dedicated and active member of her beloved St. Mary’s Road United Methodist Church (UMC). Brenda wore many hats while a member of St. Mary’s Road UMC including serving as Sunday School Superintendent, Chairperson of Christian Education, Vacation Bible School Director, Trustee Board member, Sunday School teacher, and Lay Leader. She eventually moved to Williamsburg, VA after retirement and joined the historic First Baptist Church where she continued her faith journey. Brenda deeply valued education. She graduated from J.W. Darden High School in 1967. She went on to attend Alabama A&M University in Normal, AL where she received a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education in 1971. She later earned a Master of Science in Foundations of Education from Troy State University in Phenix City, AL in 1979. Brenda also earned certificates in Specific Learning Disabilities and Mental Retardation from Columbus State University in 1980 and 1990, respectively. She returned to Troy State University to continue her academic journey and earned a certificate in School Guidance and Counseling in 1993 and completed her Educational Specialist degree in 1996. Brenda’s passion for bettering the lives of children made her an outstanding educator and administrator. While she taught for a few years in other cities, she spent most of her career with the Muscogee County School District (MCSD) in Columbus, GA where she served as a special education teacher, elementary school teacher, and elementary school counselor. Brenda eventually retired from MCSD as an assistant principal in 2003. Early in Brenda’s career, she was named Teacher of the Year at the former Waverly Terrace Elementary School in Columbus, GA. She eventually served as the chair of the Muscogee County Elementary School Counselors Association. She was appointed to the Georgia School Counselors Association Leadership Team. She also piloted the 1st Counseling and Development Center for MCSD and created and coordinated the MSCD Elementary Career Fair. Additionally, she served on the MSCD Curriculum SEARCH Team and published articles in the BEACON (Georgia School Counselors Association Magazine). The job that Brenda held most dear was that of being a devoted and loving mother. In 1974, she married Brett Lewis. Her only child, Brenetta, was born to that union. Brenda poured her heart and soul into being a caring, involved, nurturing, and protective mother. She was a single mom for most of Brenetta’s youth and that could not have been easy. Yet, somehow, she managed to fill her daughter’s childhood with fun, joy, laughter, unconditional love, and magical experiences. She was simply the best! Brenda worked tirelessly to better the lives of all children and serve the community with her time, talents, and treasure in numerous civic organizations. Brenda became a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. (AKA) on February 28, 1981, when she was initiated into the Mu Sigma Omega Chapter of Opelika, AL. She eventually joined the Gamma Tau Omega Chapter of AKA in Columbus, GA where she served as co-chair of Fashionetta, Social Committee chair and Cluster Representative. She was also a dedicated member of the Columbus, GA chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. where she served as chair of the Beautillion Ball, Program Committee chair and Scrapbook Committee chair. Brenda joined Dr. Oscar L. Prater in holy matrimony in 2002 and they moved to Williamsburg, VA. They briefly transitioned to Talladega, AL where Oscar served as president of Talladega College from 2005 to 2007. Brenda was a proud and engaged First Lady. She even served briefly as an adjunct professor in general psychology during her tenure at the college. The couple returned to Williamsburg in 2007 and Brenda continued her service to others - joining the Lambda Lambda Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. where she served as Founders’ Day chair and Fashionetta co-chair. She also volunteered with the Child Development Center, Big Brother Big Sister of the Greater VA Peninsula, Williamsburg Community Hospital Auxiliary, and chaired the Curiosity Room at the Hampton University Museum. Brenda was a proud member of the Newport News Chapter of The Links, Inc. Additionally, she was a member of the Greater Williamsburg Women’s Association (GWWA) where she was instrumental in developing and implementing the Cultural Arts Experience camp in 2012. The camp gives students an opportunity to engage with African American culture through art, dance, and literature. On the afternoon of Monday, November 10, 2025, Brenda transitioned to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ in Atlanta, GA after a courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease. She was preceded in death (in 2022) by her husband, Dr. Oscar L. Prater. Her brothers Thomas Pollard and Robert T. Pollard, Jr. preceded her in death as well as brother-in-law Thomas E. Peterson, Jr. Brenda will be forever cherished by her daughter, Brenetta Nicole (Kofi) Smith and her grandsons, Kole Parker Smith and Kyler Redmond Smith. She will be dearly missed by stepsons Lamar Prater and Marcus (Marion) Prater. Brenda’s memory will be cherished by her siblings Birdie Pollard Peterson, Dr. William Pollard, Alvin Pollard, Michael (Pamela) Pollard, and sister-in-law Ruby Ingram. Brenda will be missed dearly by her nieces and nephews Twyla Pollard, Thomas E. (Sharon) Peterson III, Michelle (LC) Robinson, Corey (Stefanie) Peterson, Mickael Pollard, Mallury Pollard, Uriel Pollard, Yvette (Rick) Smith, and Kevin (Jill) Hill. Her memory will be cherished by her God-daughters Shanelle (Ebi) Ferguson, Timyra (Olandous) Curry, Elysse Parker and a host of other loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Mrs. Brenda Pollard Prater

July 9, 1948 - November 10, 2025

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information

Mrs. Brenda Pollard Prater

July 9, 1948 - November 10, 2025

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information